Goa – Bong Yatra – Journey that Never Endshttp://bongyatra.com
When you are thinking to Travel, then be a part of this great travel blog.Fri, 07 Dec 2018 18:54:29 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.1114434485Mind-blowing experiences in Goa – Few offbeat things to definitely do when you’re in Goahttp://bongyatra.com/mind-blowing-experiences-in-goa-few-offbeat-things-to-definitely-do-when-youre-in-goa
http://bongyatra.com/mind-blowing-experiences-in-goa-few-offbeat-things-to-definitely-do-when-youre-in-goa#respondFri, 24 Feb 2017 05:55:10 +0000http://bongyatra.com/?p=1190A little bit of beach hopping, lazing around at the shacks, a few sips of Feni and partying around at Tito’s – that’s about what covers your itinerary when you think yourself to be a tourist in Goa. But in case you think you’re not a tourist but a traveler, you would definitely not be satiated with all these. Goa is an amazing place and if you want to get the experience of beating pulses in Goa, you’ve got to dig a little bit deeper and take a look at different places which are beyond the perspective of the tourists.

Therefore, here we at BongYatra list down some of the most offbeat places to visit in Goa and things to do which you’re going to remember throughout your lifetime. Read on.

#1: Visit the Ponda butterfly conservatory

While on your way back from the green spice plantations in Goa, you should also visit the Butterfly conservatory and be a witness to some of the most beautiful and fluttering species in the entire world. No, you don’t just need to stand and watch them as you can also feed them with juicy fruits and watch them gathering all the nectar.

Image source : http://www.goasearch.com

#2: Have a good time with elephants and walk through the spice plantation

Very few people visit the spice plantations when they visit Goa but if you think yourself to be a traveler, don’t miss this. Stroll through the aromatic plantations and know about some of the best spices. Sahakar Spice Farm and Savoi plantations are 2 of the most popular plantations which you should definitely visit. You can also play around with the mammoth tuskers, give them a bath and sit on their back while they splash water on you.

#3: Go on a stimulating trip to catch crabs

If you think that crab catching is a child’s play, then you’re mistaken! Would you want to get your hands dirty in catching crabs? In case you’re scared about getting a little snap here or there, then it’s not going to be your cup of tea. You can design homemade nets called Kobblem with which you can set a trap for crabs and catch them on the backwaters of Goa. You can also join crab catching tours which take place in Goa.

#4: Play around with delightful dolphins

Sights of dolphins are one of the most amazingly offbeat things that you can do in Goa. The cruise journey usually starts from Fort Aguada, Panaji Jetty and Sinquerim. If you’re allowed to do so, you can even take a quick dip in the sea and play around with such lovely creatures but only when there are sufficient safety arrangements available there.

Image source : http://ingoanews.com/

#5: Go Kayaking in the Goan backwaters

There is nothing more adventurous like rowing across the charming backwaters across the villages of Northern Goa. If you want to enjoy Goa at its tranquil best, this is the place to go kayaking and create some beautiful memories.

Therefore, if you’ve gone to Goa a number of times and yet you didn’t do the above mentioned things, you need to arrange yet another plan. So, what are you waiting for? Get set go and fly off to Goa to create some more memories.

]]>http://bongyatra.com/mind-blowing-experiences-in-goa-few-offbeat-things-to-definitely-do-when-youre-in-goa/feed01190Christmas Carnival in Goa – The best place for a December Bonanzahttp://bongyatra.com/christmas-carnival-in-goa-the-best-place-for-a-december-bonanza
http://bongyatra.com/christmas-carnival-in-goa-the-best-place-for-a-december-bonanza#respondSat, 24 Dec 2016 12:26:14 +0000http://bongyatra.com/?p=1038Escaping to Goa in December is definitely on the bucket list of every traveler in India and tourists from abroad. The impact of this tiny state in South India is so profound that people irrespective of their gender, religion and age unanimously love to visit this place. Goa is one of the most beautiful places which is gifted with some of the pristine beaches in India and it also has a pleasant climate with lot of greenery. The people in Goa are the most chilled out ones. The moment we utter the word Goa, we conjure up images of excitement, fun and relaxation. Given that December is the best time to visit Goa, we at BongYatra will offer you some reasons behind Goa being considered as the ultimate escape. It’s 20 degree Celsius now in Goa and check out how Goa comes to life when all the other states of India are freezing to death.

Attending a midnight mass

This is definitely not unknown to you that Goa is home to more than 400 churches, both small and big and hence there’s not any better way to celebrate Christmas than to take shelter in Goa. You can attend a midnight mass service for which the Immaculate Conception Church and the Basilica of Bom Jesus are 2 of the best options. Pay thanks to Jesus for his blessings, say a silent prayer and join your hands in singing hymns and carols. This service starts at 10 pm and you should hence be on time to grab a seat.

Image Source : http://www.daijiworld.com

Indulge in an extravagant dinner

It is true that the food in Goa is always of a good standard but during Christmas it is exceptionally awesome. You can definitely treat yourself to a sumptuous Christmas dinner at some shack on the beach or a fancy restaurant. Have some delicious dishes like pork sorpotel, roast turkey and some kind of assortment of grilled seafood. The cost that you may incur on a meal will be somewhere between 500 Rs. in a small restaurant to Rs. 3000 at some fancy fine dine hotel.

The fireworks at the beach is something you shouldn’t miss watching

You can head out to the beaches of Goa and set out a blanket only to sit back and relax to watch the fireworks lighting up the sky at midnight both on the eve of Christmas and New Year. The Baga beach and Calangute beach are the best beaches to watch fireworks while in South Goa, Bogmalo Beach and Colva beach are the ones you should head to. You may even opt for impromptu dance parties if you love to dance.

Image Source : http://www.holidify.com

Burning the old man, a tradition still kept alive

This is not exactly a part of Christmas celebration but there is this tradition of burning an old man may of hay and old clothes which is still maintained by the native Goans. They create several effigies which resemble old men and when they’re set on fire, this signified destruction of all worries of the last year.

Let your hair down and dance away to glory

The famous Sunburn Music Festival usually takes place between 27th December and 30th December on the beaches of Vagator. This music festival is deemed to be the biggest music festival of Asia where you will get electronic music showcases by some of the most talented and prominent Indian and international musicians. If you wish to celebrate your Christmas holidays by literally letting your hair down, this is the event to attend!

There are many ways in which you can spend Christmas in Goa, whether you party on the beaches or indulge in some extravagant dinner or walk on the silent beach with your family and loved ones, there are lots that you can do. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and set out for Goa!

]]>http://bongyatra.com/christmas-carnival-in-goa-the-best-place-for-a-december-bonanza/feed01038Ultimate places to visit in Goa along with your friends, family and girlfriendhttp://bongyatra.com/ultimate-places-to-visit-in-goa-along-with-your-friends-family-and-girlfriend
http://bongyatra.com/ultimate-places-to-visit-in-goa-along-with-your-friends-family-and-girlfriend#respondWed, 23 Nov 2016 13:06:26 +0000http://bongyatra.com/?p=925It has been unanimously acknowledged by people in India and the tourists from outside that Goa is the ultimate holiday destination for all those who love to spend a cool trip with either their friends or family members of even with their girlfriend. The perfect time to visit Goa is between November and March as you get an opportunity to attend the yearly Sunburn Festival which occurs during December. In case you forget to book tickets in advance, the trip will become an expensive affair.

Goa has always been remembered as one of the most amazing honeymoon destinations in the entire India, as it is blessed with miles after miles of scenic landscapes and pristine beaches with the old Portuguese heritage buildings and delicious cuisine. Read on to know about some best places to visit in Goa.

A visit to Goa with a gang of friends

If you’re with your friends, North Goa is the ultimate place to be as it is always in a party mood, especially at night. The top 3 places to visit are:

#1: Baga Beach: Your trip to Goa wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t visit Baga Beach which is one of the biggest beaches in Goa. You may get eat and drink as much as you can, get temporary tattoos, rent bikes to roam around with your friends and also stroll around lazily. Don’t miss out Tito’s pub in the evening as it is the best pub in the area.

Source Image : http://traveltripindia.in

#2: Anjuna Beach: A short distance from the Baga Beach is the Anjuna Beach. The main attraction around this destination is Curlie’s Shack. Anjuna Beach has got some excellent music and amazing food. You’ll get the best out of it when you visit this place before 9 p.m.

#3: Chapora Fort: How about clicking those Dil Chahta Hai pics on the edge of the fort and seeping in the mesmerizing view of the sea just below the fort? If you love trekking, don’t forget to carry your hiking shoes.

A visit to Goa with your girlfriend

For a romantic holiday, Goa is undoubtedly a lovely place and the environment is always full of love. Here are top 3 places to visit with your girlfriend.

#1: A cruise experience on River Mandovi: What can be a better experience than sailing on a yacht with your loved one? You can rent a pedal boat and experience it on calm water, you may go by a hovercraft or even ride those funny aqua bikes in case you wish to do something different.

#2: Colva Beach: This is a pristine white-sand beach which is decorated with palm trees and it seems to be a paradise for those barefoot walks on the sand either with your girlfriend or spouse. The drink stands and the trinket stalls on the sands make a moonlit evening on the Colva Beach extremely romantic.

Source Image : http://www.mouthshut.com

#3: Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: You must be wondering what 2 lovers will do in a bird sanctuary! But hey, did you know that this is Goa’s only bird sanctuary and it has mangrove swamps covering the entire place from all sides. The serene and scenic beauty of this place makes it highly enticing for the couples to unwind, connect with each other and fall in love yet again. Honeymoon couples can whisper their sweet nothing and gaze fondly at each other while listening to the chirping of the birds as a backdrop.

So, what are you waiting for? If you plan to visit with your family and kids, Calangute Beach, Palolem beach and a visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus should be a must. Pack your bags and get your tickets booked to Goa for creating a memorable vacation.

]]>http://bongyatra.com/ultimate-places-to-visit-in-goa-along-with-your-friends-family-and-girlfriend/feed0925Destination Goahttp://bongyatra.com/destination-goa
http://bongyatra.com/destination-goa#respondFri, 02 Sep 2016 08:29:30 +0000http://bongyatra.com/?p=282The name Goa instantly conjures up exotic beaches ,virgin sands, remnants of the erstwhile Portuguese culture and of course the unforgetable sea-food adding to it the local Gonanese flavour. Goa is a small state on the western coast of India, surrounded by other states on its east, north and south and the vast Arabian sea on its west. Goa is becoming an all-year tourist destination, as each season lends a unique touch to the emerald tropical island. Moreover, water sports and adrenaline pumping activities and the amazing history are big draws .

Goa has a rich and diverse history: it was ruled by the Portuguese till 1961 after which it was acceeded to India as a union territory. Goa became the 25th state of the Indian republic in 1987. Although few people speak Portuguese these days, the remnants of the culture form a major part in its historical evolution. There are churches, cathedrals built by the Portuguese which are awe inspiring. Basilica de Bom Jesus, a church built in the early seventeenth century has been declared a UNESCO World heritage site. Located in old Goa, it draws people from across the globe and is revered for being sacrosanct. Then there is the church of St. Francis of Assisi, also in old Goa which stands the test of time.

Apart from the churches, magnifient forts like fort Chapora in north Goa and fort Aguada, perched on the Sinquerim beach are architectural marvels. Apart from these grand monuments, as you walk along the streets, the small constructions also tell a history. Goa also boasts of Hindu culture apart from the catholic and there are temples galore to prove it.

Goa can also boast of India’s best beaches, unlike the Portuguese, Indians don’t have a proper beach culture. Littering is a common menace. But Goa has maintained the pristine beauty of its beaches offering clean, white sands, making them huge draws during the winter. Goa has over 25 beaches and some of the famous beaches are Anjuna, Calangute, Baga etc in north Goa. Also the beach-side shacks offer an amazing delicacy of sea-food and locally brewed liquour. In comparison to the north, south Goa is serene and mellow and the beaches are virgin with less footfalls. Some beaches that deserve mention are Arambol, Palolem among others. They are far flung and not widely travelled and explored.

Goa also has the Dudhsagar falls. Enroute Goa from Mumbai on the Konkan railway, this falls look amazing and especially in the monsoons, when the water swells up. This should not be missed as the view is beautiful.

Source Picture:https://www.viator.com/

Churches and monuments apart, Goa is a great place for shopping. The small knick-knacks from the flea markets are a huge draw. The Anjuna flea market is an important market where you can get everything and it is a regular affair except in the monsoons, daily from morning till evening. Goa has a distinct culture of spices, mainly from the Konkan. The two different types of cuisines available are the bland, Portuguese food and the richly aromated and spicy Konkani food. And therein comes the spice plantations. Though not on a regular tourist’s agenda, this deserves a mention if you are on the look out for the exotic. The spice plantations are around the dense woods of Ponda and are a must visit if you want to beyond the daily grime.

So what are you waiting for? Beaches, the aroma of spice, the rich, heavy, locally brewed pheni, the monuments and the beautiful tropical climate…come be a part of this amazing life!